### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâsôwn**, represented by `{{H8342}}`, refers to **cheerfulness**, **gladness**, **joy**, **mirth**, and **rejoicing**. It appears 22 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. This term signifies a profound gladness that often stems from divine action or presence and is frequently positioned as the direct replacement for mourning and sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8342}}` is used to describe joy that is both given and taken away by God. Its removal is a sign of judgment, as when God promises to "cause to cease from the cities of Judah... the voice of **mirth**" ([[Jeremiah 7:34]], [[Jeremiah 16:9]]). Conversely, its restoration is a hallmark of salvation and divine favor. The Lord promises to give the "oil of **joy** for mourning" [[Isaiah 61:3]] and to "turn their mourning into **joy**" [[Jeremiah 31:13]]. This joy is also found in God's word, which becomes "the **joy** and rejoicing of mine heart" [[Jeremiah 15:16]], and in His salvation [[Psalms 51:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of joy and gladness:
* `{{H8057}}` **simchâh** (blithesomeness or glee): This word is frequently paired with **sâsôwn** to express a full and complete state of joy. It is used to describe the "voice of **joy**, and the voice of **gladness**" that will return to the land [[Jeremiah 33:11]] and the gladness the Jews experienced along with light and honour [[Esther 8:16]].
* `{{H1523}}` **gîyl** (to be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice): This verb describes the action of rejoicing, often in response to God's work. The psalmist declares his heart shall **rejoice** in God's salvation [[Psalms 13:5]], and God himself will **joy** over his people with singing [[Zephaniah 3:17]].
* `{{H7440}}` **rinnâh** (shout of joy or grief): This term denotes the audible expression of intense emotion. The redeemed of the LORD are prophesied to return to Zion with **singing** and obtain gladness and joy [[Isaiah 51:11]]. It is the **joy** that comes in the morning after a night of weeping [[Psalms 30:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8342}}` is significant, framing joy as a spiritual condition directly connected to one's relationship with God.
* **Divine Source of Joy:** True **joy** is presented not as a human achievement but as a gift from God. Believers are to draw water with **joy** from the wells of salvation [[Isaiah 12:3]], and it is found in God's word [[Jeremiah 15:16]]. The plea to "Restore unto me the **joy** of thy salvation" highlights its origin in and dependence on God [[Psalms 51:12]].
* **Joy as a Sign of Restoration:** The presence of **sâsôwn** is a definitive mark of God's redemptive work. It is promised to those who mourn in Zion [[Isaiah 61:3]] and to the redeemed who will return, at which time sorrow shall flee away ([[Isaiah 35:10]], [[Isaiah 51:11]]). The fasts of Judah are prophesied to become occasions for **joy** and gladness [[Zechariah 8:19]].
* **Absence of Joy as Judgment:** The withdrawal of **joy** and **mirth** serves as a stark depiction of divine judgment. This is seen when **joy** withers from the land because the harvest fails [[Joel 1:12]] and when the celebratory voices of bride and bridegroom are silenced due to desolation ([[Jeremiah 7:34]], [[Jeremiah 25:10]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8342}}` is far more than a simple feeling of happiness. It is a profound cheerfulness and gladness rooted in God's saving acts and promises. Its presence is a key indicator of divine blessing and restoration, while its absence is a solemn token of judgment. This word illustrates the biblical principle that genuine, lasting joy is a spiritual state that ultimately finds its source in God himself.
TRV